§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will review the safety regulations concerning materials used in the teats of babies' bottles and dummies; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has any plans to ban the use of silicone substitutes in the teats of babies' bottles and dummies; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he has any plans to seek the incorporation of World Health Organisation standards on the composition of materials used in babies' teats in a new British Standard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Howard[pursuant to his reply, Friday 24 October 1986]: I am aware of the recent publicity surrounding the possible choking hazard caused by babies' dummies and bottle teats made of silicone rubber and my Department is investigating. Meanwhile the main manufacturers and distributors have voluntarily withdrawn these products from sale.
The Babies' Dummies (Safety) Regulations 1978 lay down requirements on the materials and construction of dummies and rely on British Standard 5239: 1975 for technical specifications. Following the recent allegations the British Standards Institution is reviewing the present standard and has initiated research by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist. The research findings may indicate a need for revision of BS 5239. Before a revised BS specification is agreed account will be taken of any other relevant standards including those of the World Health Organisation.
61WAt present, babies' bottle teats are not subject to either a British standard or to safety regulations but the need will be reviewed following the action on dummies.